Magnetization process of Fe layers in Fe/Nd multilayered films investigated by 57Fe Moessbauer spectroscopy

The magnetization process of Fe and Nd layers at 5 K in Fe/Nd multilayered films with strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is elucidated from a comparison of 57Fe Moessbauer spectra in the presence of the external field applied parallel to the film plane with total magnetization. At zero external field, the film has a magnetic multi-domain structure. The Nd layer moment is perpendicular to the film plane and the Fe layer moment points in the out-of-plane direction. The Fe layer moment monotonically rotates to the in-plane direction with increasing external field parallel to the film plane, while the Nd layer moment is oriented to the film normal direction up to the external field of 10 kOe, above which the Nd layer moment gradually turns to the direction of the external field. (orig.)